Pull greasy cooking-oil and food stains out of fabric by absorbing the oil first, then cutting it with dish soap.
Lay the garment flat and gently blot the stain with a paper towel to lift any oil sitting on the surface. Do not rub it in or use water yet — water repels oil and will only spread the stain.
Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or baby powder generously over the stain and let it sit for 10–30 minutes. The powder draws oil up out of the fibers. Brush or scrape the caked powder off when it has had time to work.
Apply a few drops of grease-cutting dish soap (such as Dawn) directly onto the stain and rub it in gently with your fingers or a soft brush. Dish soap is formulated to break down grease. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to penetrate.
Launder using the warmest water the fabric's care label allows — heat helps dissolve oil — with your normal detergent. Air dry and inspect the spot before machine drying; dryer heat sets any leftover grease. Repeat the dish-soap step if a shadow remains.